Howe hints he could start ‘phenomenal’ youngster for Newcastle tomorrow, he’s a ‘pleasure to watch’

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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has told reporters that Elliot Anderson is “pushing” to start for the Magpies on Wednesday.

The Premier League high-flyers host Crystal Palace at St James’ Park in the EFL Cup third round.

Newcastle are in amazing form at present, having won six of their last seven league games.

Better still, the Magpies scored four or more goals in four of those victories.

As a result, Newcastle sit third in the Premier League table, and will fancy their chances of making next season’s Champions League.

In midweek, the Magpies will look to progress in the EFL Cup and edge closer to a first major trophy since 1969.

Howe’s charges will be up against Patrick Vieira’s Eagles, a side which held them to a 0-0 draw earlier this term.

The EFL Cup has often been an opportunity for top-flight managers to give game time to fringe players and talented youngsters.

Anderson, one of the top talents at Newcastle, has made his breakthrough this season.

The 20-year-old has seven Premier League appearances this term, and started against Tranmere in the EFL Cup second round.

Speaking to BBC Sport ahead of Wednesday’s clash on Tyneside, Howe suggested that Anderson could start once again.

“He will be one of a number of players pushing,” said the Newcastle boss.

“When you look at the squad we picked for Southampton and the lads that didn’t start – there is a lot of quality there, with a lot of players who have done well historically for the team.

“So I have got no doubt about their ability to do well if given the opportunity and I think it is a great position for me to be in.”

“He’s going to be some player”

Last season, Anderson showed he was ready for the top flight in wake of a fruitful loan spell at Bristol Rovers.

Anderson was instrumental in helping the Gas earn automatic promotion on the final day of the League Two campaign.

Against all odds, Rovers leapfrogged Northampton into third place on goal difference by running out 7-0 winners at Scunthorpe.

Anderson, who has been dubbed the ‘Geordie Maradona’, scored the seventh goal in that game. He also grabbed a hat-trick of assists.

“He’s going to be some player. And it’s going to be a pleasure to watch him as he progresses through the leagues,” Rovers ace Alex Rodman told Examiner Live.

“I’m really interested to see where he goes next year. Newcastle have got a really exciting player on their hands with him. He came in and he’s been phenomenal.”